Gunning for win, Guillen goes to Contreras

The White Sox plan to start Jose Contreras on three days' rest in Sunday's finale against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.

"If Contreras throws well, I have to win that game," manager Ozzie Guillen said Thursday.

"I don't care about the next one. We can find someone else."

Contreras threw 100 pitches Wednesday in an 8-1 loss to the New York Yankees.

Guillen pointed out the Sox bullpen is fresh and that playing an interleague series under National League rules at Wrigley Field will allow him to employ double-switch substitutions to maximize his roster.

Nick Masset will relieve Contreras.

Guillen pointed out Contreras will get an extra day of rest after Sunday's start because of a day off May 24.

Contreras has started on three days' rest only once since joining the majors in 2003. That occurred on Sept. 23, 2003 -- four days after pitching seven innings of one-run ball in a 2-1 victory over the Devil Rays while pitching for the Yankees.

Contreras rebounded quickly with eight shutout innings in a 7-0 victory over the White Sox on short rest. He yielded four hits and struck out nine.

Bring on Oakland

Designated hitter Jim Thome is healthy enough to be activated, but the Sox will wait until Monday.

It's doubtful Thome would play this weekend anyway because of National League rules that prevent use of the DH.

"I don't want to be one player short," Guillen said.

Thome, who hasn't played since April 28 because of a right rib cage strain, was 1-for-7 with three walks in two games for Triple-A Charlotte.

Happy to not be hitless

Catcher Gustavo Molina was relieved he got his first major-league hit Wednesday before he was optioned to Charlotte.

"[But] I don't have the ball yet," Molina said. "I think the trainers have it. I have to pick it up. I'm looking for it."